Best Camping Gadgets
When you set off into the unknown on a camping adventure, you’re leaving the safety and comfort of your home. There is no better way to make sure you’re safe and comfortable than taking a few handy camping gear that make camping out in the wild that little bit comfier, or safe if the worst should happen.
At A Glance: Our Top 3 Camping Gadgets
- Best For Home Comforts Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso MakerJump To Review
- Best For Charging Topsolar 30W Foldable Solar PanelJump To Review
- Best For Staying Updated Tiemahun Emergency Solar Dynamo Radio & Charger Jump To Review
We have pulled together some of the best camping gadgets around that will add an element of safety and comfort so you can truly enjoy your time in nature without worry. There are backup power supplies, weather updates, and even a portable espresso machine so you can still have that delicious morning cup of coffee.
Top Product Overview
 | Best For Home Comforts
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 | Best For Charging
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 | Best For Staying Updated
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Best Camping Gadgets
Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
The first camping gadget on our list will bring an element of home life to every morning you wake up in camp, the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker.
The portable espresso maker requires no electricity or power and is manually operated so you can have a delicious coffee anywhere, anytime.
It works using a pumping system, and with 25-35 pumps you’ll have dished up and delicious espresso to get you going in the morning, ready for your daily adventures in nature.
The portable espresso maker is simple and easy to use and clean, plus its light and compact so you can squeeze it into your backpack with ease.
Not only is it perfect for the trail but it actually makes tasty coffee too. And for those of you into coffee, you can also buy all kinds of add-ons to make your off-grid barista experience that little bit more professional.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design for portability
- No power source needed - great for long camping trips
- Simple and easy to use
- Makes delicious coffee
- Quick and easy to clean
Cons
- Requires 35 pumps per cup
Product Information
- Purpose: Delicious morning espressos
- Weight: 0.74 lbs
- Dimensions: 3.35 x 3.35 x 7.48 inches
- Power Source: Manual
Topsolar 30W Foldable Solar Panel
The next handy piece of outdoor gear on our list is the Topsolar 30W Foldable Solar Panel. It’s the perfect gadget if you’re looking to be able to charge your devices anywhere, anytime.
Its foldable design makes it super light at 1.2lbs and the slim folded dimensions of 10.6 × 7× 1.8 inches mean you’ll be able to squeeze it into your backpack with ease.
This solar panel comes with 2 USB Ports, QC3.0 & PD3.0, that are perfect for charging any device like your smartphone, tablet, GPS, camera, and are perfect for topping up your power bank.
You can even use it to top-up your car battery in times of need to ensure you can start your vehicle and get on the road when you need to.
The panel also features smart charging technology, so it will never overcharge your devices, and with a maximum of 30 watts, it charges things quite quickly when in direct sunlight.
Some people have described the panels as feeling flimsy but they actually hold up well over time and are durably made.
If you’re looking for a solar panel to keep everything topped up and get you out of a jam when your car battery is flat, this is the one to go for.
Pros
- Light and compact for backpacking
- Two USB ports for multiple device charging
- Smart charging tech stops overcharging
- Durable and long-lasting
- Charge any device anywhere
- Can even charge car batteries
Cons
- Seems a little flimsy
Product Information
- Purpose: Off-grid charging
- Weight: 1,2 lbs
- Dimensions: 10.6 × 7× 1.8 inches folded
- Power Source: Solar
Tiemahun Emergency Solar Dynamo Radio & Charger
Next up on our list of camping gear is the Tiemahun Emergency Solar Dynamo Radio & Charger.
This little radio is perfect for getting weather updates while you’re off-grid but it also does a whole lot more.
Inside the radio is a 5000mAh Power Bank which will keep your electronics topped up whilst in the field. After all, not every gadget has great battery life!
The radio also comes equipped with a dynamo and a solar panel so you can always keep it topped up. And, if you’ve got a solar panel like the one above, you can use it as a power bank in combination with it.
Adding to the list of things this radio can do, it also has a flashlight which is perfect for reading at night or hopping out of the tent to the bathroom.
It’s compact and super light at 0.65 lbs, so you’ll barely notice it in your backpack and it’s water-resistant for durability too. The only flaws it has are that the solar panel is a little small and the dynamo requires a lot of cranking to charge it up.
Otherwise is an awesome weather update, power bank, flashlight combination to keep you safe and in touch when out in the wilderness.
Pros
- Power bank for charging devices
- Weather radio for updates
- Built-in flashlight for night use
- Light, portable, and durable
- Water-resistant for use in damp conditions
- Use the dynamo or solar to always get a charge/updates
Cons
- The solar panel is not so efficient
- A lot of hand cranks to get power
Product Information
- Purpose: Emergency charging and weather
- Weight: 0.65 lbs
- Dimensions: 5.71 x 2.17 x 2.68 inches
- Power Source: Solar/Dynamo
Camco Deluxe Folding Grill Table
The next camping gadget in the line-up isn’t a gadget as such but it is a way to have an awesome BBQ when car camping.
The Camco Deluxe Folding Grill Table is perfect for big cook-outs and it folds up small into its own carry case for the trunk of your car too.
Weighing just 6 lbs and folding up to 37 x 19 x 6 inches, this is one of the most spacious grilling tables around with such small and portable dimensions.
Once unfolded you have a main grill table, two side tables, a storage rack, and hanging hooks for all your grilling utensils.
The table is made from aluminum for durability and corrosion resistance but this does mean it gets a little hot in the sun.
The side tables are made from fibreboard, which is great for placing hot things on by it can warp with dampness so be sure to store it dry.
It’s certainly not made for backpacking but is perfect for a friends and family car camping trip when you want to have a big meal in style.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact for putting in your trunk
- Durable and well made for long-lasting use
- Multiple hooks and tabletops for cooking
- Comes with a handy carry case
- Easy to assemble and store
Cons
- Fibreboard table tops can warp when damp
- Aluminum table gets hot in the sum
Product Information
- Purpose: Dining Alfresco
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Dimensions: 37 x 19 x 6 inches folded
- Power Source: None
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow
One thing that never makes it into my backpack when camping is a pillow to sleep on. They’re just that little bit too big and I resort to some folded clothes instead and end up with a beck ache each morning.
Once I discovered the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow, those days were a thing of the past. This camping pillow is super light at 1.05 lbs and compresses down to fit in any free space you have in your pack.
It made from durable polyester and the foam filling is upcycled from Thermarest mattresses. When decompressed, the pillow is 4 inches thick and the polyester outer shell is soft on your skin. These pillows are super comfy to sleep on while in your sleeping bag!
Cleaning the pillow couldn’t be easier either. Just throw it in the washing machine, dry it fully and give it a bounce around to bring the loft back.
The only negative is that it is quite expensive for a pillow but in my eyes, it’s worth it for a comfy night’s sleep and with care, you’ll only need to buy one in your lifetime.
Pros
- Light and squishes down to fit in your backpack
- Soft and comfortable to sleep on
- Durable materials that handle wear and tear
- Quick and easy to clean
- Upcycled material for an Eco tick
Cons
- A little expensive for a pillow
Product Information
- Purpose: Comfy nights sleep
- Weight: 1.05 lbs
- Dimensions: 16 x 23 Inches
- Power Source: None
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
What could be more important than access to fresh clean water whenever you need it? Well with our next camping gadget this is possible, as long as there is any kind of water around.
The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter filters out 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and surpasses all EPA filter standards.
It has a 0.2-micron filter that removes all the nasties from even the dirtiest water, so you can stay hydrated no matter what situation you find yourself in.
One Lifestraw can filter up to 1000 gallons or 4000 liters of water, which is enough to provide more than a month of clean drinking when you need it.
It’s also super light and compact so you can easily squeeze it in your backpack. But, it does require quite a lot of work to pull water through it when used as a straw, but in an emergency situation, it does the job.
With each purchase, LifeStraw also provides clean water for a child for a year, so your money is going to good things when you hit add to cart on this camping gadget.
Pros
- Makes the dirtiest water safe to drink
- Light and packable
- Filters up to 1000 gallons to beyond EPA standards
- Durable and affordable
- Each purchase supports clean water for a child
Cons
- Hard work to get water through it
- Best used with a pump
Product Information
- Purpose: Clean emergency water
- Weight: 0.1 lbs
- Dimensions: 8.66 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches
- Power Source: None needed
Thermacell MR150 Portable Mosquito Repeller
There is nothing more annoying than having mosquitos buzzing in your ear and leaving red bites all over you when you’re camping, and our next camping gadget does a good job of stopping them.
The Thermacell MR150 Portable Mosquito Repeller is a light and compact portable mosquito repeller that’ll happily squeeze into your pack and stop you from having to put toxic DEET repellents on your skin.
The Thermacell MR150 Portable Mosquito Repeller will keep mosquitoes away from the 15ft zone that surrounds it for 12 hours. So when dusk falls and the critters come out, turn this on and you can enjoy sitting around the campfire in peace.
It does take about 30 minutes to warm up and be truly effective, so make sure to turn it on ahead of time. It also runs on fuel and repellent cartridges, so you’ll need to carry a few extras for these on a longer camping trip.
Overall, it’s an awesome anti-mosquito solution, and far better than using repellent in my eyes.
Pros
- Light and compact for backpacking
- Effective and repelling mosquitos
- Keeps mosquitoes away in a 15-ft zone for 12 up to hours
- Deet and odor-free for safe use
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Requires replacing fuel and repellent
- Take 30 minutes to warm up and be effective
Product Information
- Purpose: No mosquito bites
- Weight: 0.9 lbs
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 2.3 x 6.3 inches
- Power Source: Fuel cartridge
Scrubba Portable Wash Bag
The final camping gadget is aimed at those of us who spend extended periods in the outdoors and need to wash some dirty laundry easily and conveniently.
The Scrubba Portable Wash Bag is a waterproof bag with an internal scrubbing board. It’s light at 0.3 lbs and folds down to fit in your hand, so you’ll certainly be able to find a place in your pack for it.
Using it couldn’t be simpler, just add some clothes, laundry soap, and water to the bag and seal it. Then rub your clothes around against the scrubbing board and leave them to soak. After that, it’s a matter of draining and rinsing off the soap. Job done!
The wash bag itself is pretty durable and comes with a 1-year warranty to go with it, but all the scrubbing does eventually wear out the seams a bit and cause some leaks.
Otherwise, if you’ve been looking for a power-free and convenient way to wash your clothes while backpacking, this is a great solution.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable for your backpack
- Simple and effective to use
- Requires no power to wash clothes
- Built-in scrubber for cleaning
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Not so durable
- A little expensive
Product Information
- Purpose: Easy clothes cleaning on the road
- Weight: 0.3 lbs
- Dimensions: Tiny
- Power Source: Manual
What To Look For In The Best Camping Gadgets
When it comes to clever camping gadgets you are always limited by how much you can carry in your backpack or fit into your car. Once you’ve packed your tent, sleeping bag, outdoor clothing, food, water, and stove, there isn’t much space left over, so you need to pick your camping equipment wisely.
Purpose
The first thing you need to consider when packing for a camping trip is whether you really need the gadget in question and are actually going to use it. I’ve carried about backup solar lamps for days at a time and never used them, wishing I had left them at home.
Pick the camping gadgets that you’ll either definitely use or will get you out of trouble if you find yourself in one.
Size
First off, pack your backpack and see what space you have left. This will let you know what room you have left for camping gadgets. You can then look at the dimensions of the gadget in question and make a call on whether it’ll fit in your pack or the car when you go on your next adventure.
Every camping gadget selected in the review was included thanks to its small dimensions for its category. So they are all about small as they get, and you’ll find the dimensions under each of the reviews.
Weight
Another factor is weight, especially when you’re backpacking and hiking from campsite to campsite. The last thing you need is to be weighed down by extras and by shaving a few ounces off every item you buy for your camping trip, so you can bring your overall pack weight down considerably.
All the camping gadgets in the review were hand-selected to be a light as possible to ensure they don’t add any extra strain to your back or pack.
Power Supply
A final question to ask yourself when shopping for camping gadgets is – does it require a power supply? Like propane, electricity, gas, or fuel cartridges. If you need to carry these along with you, then you’re going to end up adding a lot of weight to your pack and perhaps taking up valuable space.
Essentials
In order to be safe when you’re wandering around the wilderness, never swap out and essential for a gadget. Anything that provides warmth, food, shelter, and hydration needs to go at the top of the list, followed by devices that guide you or get you out of trouble like a GPS, compass, knife, and multi-tool.
Once all that is packed, you should then think about the gadgets that might make life a little easier and more comfortable when spending time away from home in nature.
Our Favorite Camping Gadgets
Picking the favorites from the lineup of outdoor gear for your camping adventures is a tough one. I’d highly recommend owning all of them if you go camping a lot. But if I had to pick just 3, these are what they would be.
If you’re as much of a coffee addict as I am, then leaving your morning espressos at home is tough, well with the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker you won’t have to. This camping gadget ensures you can have barista-quality espressos every morning, anywhere.
- No battery/electricity need/Manual operation only! Nanopresso is one of the best and most versatile espresso machines. Built around a newly patented pumping system, the Nanopresso is capable of reaching, with the help of your hands, a maximum of 18 bars (261 PSI) of pressure for unparalleled coffee extractions qualities.
- Achieving the perfect espresso shot is far from easy. The Nanopresso works best with finely ground coffee that is tamped hard. Thanks to its innovative construction and easy operation, Nanopresso will help you brew perfect cups with a nice and dense crema layer every time.
When it comes to keeping everything charged up, the best camping gadget is the Topsolar 30W Foldable Solar Panel. With this at your side, you can keep your phone, tablet, GPS, Kindle, and camera topped up. Plus you can even use it to charge up your car battery in times of need.
- 【Folodable design& & Reliable power】： Perfect for a camping trip or emergency use, easy to be folded to the size of the magazine, can be put in your bag, as a portable direct power to carry.
- 【 Portable Solar Panel】: With compact size (10.6 × 7× 1.8 inches folded or 39.76 × 10.6× 0.8inches opened) and foldable design, SolarFairy 30S portable solar charger is suitable for camping, hiking, climbing, or any outdoor activities. You can also hook it in your backpack by the attachment hook while you're walking.
The best camping gadget when it comes to knowing the weather and having a power bank is the Tiemahun Emergency Solar Dynamo Radio & Charger.
This gadget lets you know what weather is coming so you can plan ahead, and it’s also a power bank so you can hold on to some of that solar power, and keep your devices topped up. It also has a dynamo and its own solar panel, so no matter where you are, you can tune in to know what weather is on the horizon.
- 2000mAh for charging your iPhone & cellphone via Micro-USB cable;
- Keep this AM/FM & NOAA weather radio with your family, get up to date with the latest weather and all hazard information for your area;
